Is It a Cold or Spring Allergies? How to Tell the Difference

We’re finally nearing the transition between winter and spring, which brings more sun and more pollen. If you’re already stuffy, sneezing, or have a scratchy throat, it’s easy to blame it on spring allergies – but it could also be a cold.

When your kids complain of cold symptoms but also have allergies, it’s difficult to tell the difference. If you need help determining the cause of your child’s symptoms, Dr. Sindu Pillai offers nurse and sick child visits.

She’s an experienced pediatrician who gets to the bottom of your child’s symptoms and provides appropriate treatment.

Similarities between allergies and a cold

Seasonal allergies and the common cold share many overlapping symptoms, even though their causes are different. It’s especially difficult to tell the difference in kids who can’t always explain their symptoms.

If your child is not feeling great around this time, it could be a cold or allergies – especially because some of the symptoms are the same. The common symptoms that both issues share include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Mild fatigue
• Scratchy throat

When your child hasn’t experienced allergies before, it’s sometimes tricky to tell the difference, especially in the early stages of a cold. Allergy symptoms may not be as severe as cold symptoms, or they could be just as bad.

How are the two different?

Although allergies and a cold can exhibit similar symptoms, they are quite different. It’s important to know the differences between the two, so you know when to get treatment for your child.

The main difference between a cold and allergies is the cause of the symptoms. Viral infections cause colds and are extremely contagious. Symptoms of a cold usually appear gradually over a few days after exposure to an infected person.

Allergies happen after your child comes into contact with an allergen that triggers their immune system. The allergen causes immediate symptoms that persist until exposure stops. Allergy symptoms can last weeks to months, depending on the specific allergen.

Symptoms between the two can also be different. For instance, a cold can lead to a fever, while allergies rarely cause a spike in temperature. Chills, extreme fatigue, and body aches are common in colds and not allergies.

Most cold symptoms begin to improve within a few days to a week, though some can last for up to two weeks. Allergy symptoms improve with antihistamine use and removal of the allergy trigger.

When to bring your child in for either

Watching your child struggle through a cold or allergies is tough, and you should seek treatment if your child has:

• A high fever that doesn’t resolve with medications
• Trouble breathing or a productive cough
• Symptoms that persist for more than two weeks
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty waking
• Ear pain or discharge

Although allergy symptoms aren’t as severe, it’s essential to understand what’s causing them. Bring your child in for a check-up if they have symptoms that last for several weeks without resolution.

It’s also important to seek treatment if your child’s symptoms interfere with their sleep or they’re missing school due to symptoms.

A rash accompanied by itching or skin discoloration should also be a cause for concern. Dr. Pillai evaluates your child’s symptoms and discusses possible triggers to determine the best route of treatment.

We may suggest daily antihistamines or allergy testing for children with allergy symptoms. A cold will pass on its own, but we provide prescriptions and medications for severe or persistent symptoms.

To schedule your child's cold or allergy appointment with our team, call our Murrieta, California, office to book a well-child visit with Dr. Pillai, or click here to schedule your consultation today.